Legislation would help prevent Social Security field office closures, hire new staff, protect Americans’ data, and decrease wait times for assistance
Bill would benefit the nearly 4 million New Yorkers who receive Social Security payments every month
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, announced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act. This vital legislation—unveiled on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act—would reverse the disastrous cuts the Trump administration has made to the Social Security Administration (SSA), prohibit unnecessary Social Security field office closures, boost staffing levels to help reduce wait times and make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get help over the phone, protect Americans’ data, and provide the resources SSA needs to help approve earned benefits quickly.
“90 years ago, the U.S. government made a promise to take care of seniors by establishing Social Security. But now, the Trump administration is using that promise as a political bargaining chip, threatening access to the benefits that more than 3.8 million New Yorkers and 69 million Americans rely on to pay their bills, afford medical care, and put food on the table,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We cannot let them get away with it. That’s why I’m joining my fellow senators in introducing the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, which will reverse Trump administration cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA), protect Americans’ data, and prohibit unnecessary SSA office closures and staff layoffs. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I will always fight to ensure that Social Security benefits remain secure and accessible, and I’m committed to getting this vital legislation passed.”
Social Security is among the most successful government programs in U.S. history, having helped millions of seniors, widowed spouses, and people with disabilities live with dignity since its establishment 90 years ago. In 2023 alone, Social Security lifted 27.6 million Americans out of poverty, including more than 19.5 million seniors. Without it, nearly 40% of people age 65 and over would be living in poverty.
Despite the program’s success, the Trump administration has announced that it would force out over 7,000 SSA workers, close field offices throughout the country, and require unnecessary in-person office visits to receive services. The administration has also limited access to a live operator when Americans call the 1-800 number for Social Security, and issued false statements designed to undermine the confidence that the American people have in this life-saving program. Adding insult to injury, President Trump has given the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) staff unfettered access to Americans’ most sensitive private information.
The Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act would reverse the Trump administration’s cuts and rebuild the Social Security Administration. Specifically, the bill would:
1. Protect and improve SSA field offices and staffing by prohibiting closures, service reductions, and relocations without congressional approval. It would also mandate that staffing levels remain at least as high as pre-Trump administration levels and ensure beneficiaries can speak with live operators rather than artificial intelligence.
2. Increase funding for the Social Security Administration by $5 billion to modernize technology, reduce claims backlogs, and improve customer service.
3. Improve access for beneficiaries by reinstating key offices like Civil Rights and Oversight, funding legal support grants for applicants with disabilities, and limiting overpayment collections to protect beneficiaries from excessive reductions.
4. Protect Americans’ data by strengthening penalties for improperly disclosing or accessing sensitive Social Security records and by blocking DOGE and other unauthorized political appointees from gaining access.
5. Prevent politicization of Social Security by restricting SSA’s ability to replace its career public servants with political appointees.
6. Remove DOGE’s authority over SSA and call for an independent investigation into DOGE’s actions at SSA.
The legislation is endorsed by several organizations, including Social Security Works, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, Center for Living & Working, Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, American Association of People with Disabilities, Justice in Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and New York Legal Assistance Group.
Senator Gillibrand is joined on this legislation by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand has long advocated to protect and strengthen Social Security. In the face of Trump administration cuts, she has rallied alongside unions and seniors to demand a reversal of staffing and service cuts, advocated against the closure of SSA offices across the country and in White Plains, NY, and, along with other Senate Democrats, sent nearly 200 questions about the impact of Social Security cuts to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano following his confirmation. Following her advocacy, SSA reversed its decision to restrict certain phone services. Senator Gillibrand is also part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks on Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.
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